Well, here we are in the middle of the coldest winter that I can remember. Maybe its because I'm older that I notice the weather more, but I don't remember having to stay inside this much before. We have had some winters where we were still in shirt sleeves in December.

Sure does make you more creative about how you spend your time. Television gets old after a while, and the sitting isn't so good either. Good reading time though, especially for someone like myself that loves reading.

Also good cooking, baking weather. All those comfort foods begin to show up. Anything hot, and filling and maybe a little sweet too. Sure helps to have some "insulation" against the cold.

The sweet potatoes really warm up the kitchen and make it smell so good.

Thank the good Lord that we haven't had any serious sickness in the family this winter. Just the nasties and a few other things. We did lose my brother, Bill, in October to a battle with cancer. May the Lord hold him close. We miss him so much, but we know he was having a hard time.

Some having to leave and some new ones coming on. We got a new great-grandson in September of last year. His name is Eli, and he sure does favor his mom. That makes three, one being a girl. She was first, and her name is Lexie. Some call her "little miss." They are all so sweet and special to us. The two oldest love books, and we love to read to them. Fabien, the second one has his favorites, and goes straight for them when he comes. He also loves my cookie jar.

We also have an addition to our home that has kept Paw paw busy. His name is Ringo, and he's a young beagle. Very handsome and extremely busy looking for ways to get out of the yard. It has been a challenge to stay ahead of him. He is very affectionate, and has been fortunate not to get killed on the highway. Anyone who knows about beagles knows they love to find ways to go in the wild, blue yonder.

Well, its time to go fix something for supper. What shall it be?